Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Wait!

This last week or so as I have been waiting for the final test results necessary to start treatment, these words from Isaiah 30 have been running through my head:
“Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you...”
You may recall, if you read any of my earlier blogs. that these results had been delayed due to what I call a series of “human-ness-es” in the ordering process.
At this point there was the option given of just staring chemo, or waiting at least another 10 days and ordering the tests.
It’s hard to describe what feels like. Normally waiting 10 days for something would not be terrible. Perhaps uncomfortable or inconvenient, but not terrible. I remember waiting for my children to be born ( two of them were over two weeks late!) and thinking I was going to be eternally pregnant. But even in that situation, I could see a joyous end in sight.
WIth this experience, however every day was a battle to keep the thoughts at bay that this ravenous beast was taking over my body cell, by cell...with no defense.
Of course, we know that is not true, The Lord is always our defense.
“Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be greatly moved.” Psalm 62:2
I was reminded of the Red Sea incident. When God separated those waters so that the Israelites could go through on dry land. I felt that if God could hold back the Red Sea, He could hold back these cells from metastasizing, and I prayed just that!
After a long week, yesterday, we had our doctors appointment.
The results were all back and the good news is that I did test positive for a genetic marker mutation!
It sounds weird that I would be happy about that, but having this information is very valuable and, provides the doctors with different treatment options.
I will be starting a targeted gene therapy tonight. Unlike traditional chemo, it specifically targets this genetic anomaly. This is a very basic layman's explanation, but; in short, the cancer cells in my body are looking for a certain enzyme to grow. This medication is supposed to block the receptor sites for that enzyme on those cells. 
We are very very thankful to our precious Lord for this and are praying that all this can help many other people.
I know I will be doing this ALOT, but again, I just really want to thank all of you who have stood (and are standing with me) and Robert and my family in prayer. I know the Lord  has used you to lift my head at so many times. 
This medication is not without side affects and I covet your prayers!
In a way I feel like the battle is just beginning...again.
The fight to stop the cells is just starting (medically speaking), but we know Who fights our enemies for us and with us.
“You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.” Duet. 3:22
As we were sitting in the  doctor’s office, praising the Lord with tears of relief, two nurses popped their heads in and one said, “its a good thing you waited.”
Indeed.
Sometimes people or situations may cause us to feel pressure to act quickly or to rush into something that we don’t have peace about.
There is definitely a time to move and often His Spirit directs us to move..now!
But, I am solidified in my conviction that we should be cautious to act until we have God’s direction.
Though we may make mistakes, He graciously intervenes and continue to guide us.

If we follow His ways, we will discover His will.
The entirety of Isaiah 30:18 goes like this:
“Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.
To Him be the glory in ALL things in ALL of our lives:
as we wait for HIm to direct us
as we wait for Him to show His hand of grace in and through our lives
and as we eagerly and faithfully await His return!
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Rev 22: 20-21
Maranatha!! 

13 comments:

  1. I am so glad you were led to wait! I was praying that you would find out the test were all wrong and you didn't have cancer, BUT we will keep praying you through this challenge, knowing God is on the throne and totally in charge. I will be praying for you, Robert and your whole family, as they encircle you in love and care! JoAnn Edwards

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  2. Lisa,
    So happy to hear this good news! Waiting on our God for more! Those who hope in the Lord will not be disappointed! Amen! Love, Cathy T.

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  3. You are now equipped spiritually and medically to do serious battle against this unwelcome invader of your body. I pray that you tolerate the treatments well, and that God will grant that you are a "responder".
    jj

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  4. Happy, happy and SO happy! What a testament you are...cause I know you're not the most patient woman ;) But God in you produces such a peaceful patience..thank you for His beautiful example lived out through you! Jess, David, Chris...we pray for you guys very much...as well as your whole family. Love you guys!!

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  5. Lisa, God faithfully met you and will continue to meet you right where you are each day. For me waiting is a trial in itself, and God's perfect plan is revealed when I trust and wait. He NEVER fails me. I praise our Precious Lord that He blessed your obedience to wait on Him, providing good news regarding a genetic marker allowing targeted gene therapy. When I read your blog, the following song popped into my head:

    "Meet with Me"

    I'm here to meet with you
    Come and meet with me
    I'm here to find you
    Reveal yourself to me

    As I wait, you make me strong
    As I long, draw me to your arms
    As I stand and sing your praise
    You come, you come and you fill this place
    Won't you come, Won't you come and fill this place

    I'm here to meet with you
    Come and meet with me
    I'm here to find you,
    Reveal yourself to me

    As I wait, you make me strong
    As I long, draw me to your arms
    As I stand and sing your praise
    You come, you come and you fill this place
    Won't you come, Won't you come and fill this place

    I'm here to meet with you
    Come and meet with me

    May our Lord reveal His presence to you today, bringing smiles to your face as you notice Him in the small things.

    Toni

    Psalm 100:4-5 : Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures.

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  6. Lisa- From miles away I pray. I know Rick and I haven't lived near you for 14 years, but Calvary Tucson is our home in so many ways. In the middle of our fires, God has a way of showing Himself brightly. When we are removed from that furnace, our bonds our burned off with us in tact and we don't even smell like smoke. I cannot tell you what that story in Daniel has meant to me over the past 2 months as I have battled my own cancer. God is gracious, faithful and good. May you be filled with His Spirit through every treatment, test, or surgery. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. He has already overcome. Loving you and praying for you and Robert.
    Anique Herbst

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  7. God is sufficient, He is with you and He will take care of you.
    Victory, however, is found in turning our eyes to God. (Isa. 40:31)

    Praying for you and your family..

    Linda

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  8. Lisa- through your blogs and YOUR hardship you are bringing ME closer to GOD!

    I Thank YOU for this!

    We will continue to pray for you, in the morning and in the afternoon and into the evening!

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  9. Thank you Lisa for posting this.. I cried because I am going though the same thing.. Not cancer of course but knowing when to wait.. You are such an inspiration to all.. And I thank the Lord for giving me the chance to getting to know you.. I pray for strength for you and your family.. And when you were talking about your treatmeant and how it wasnt what you thought it would be but it was still Good.. That was God.. It might not be what we wish for.. but it will all work out for his Glory in the end.. all my love Traci

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  10. Amen Lisa. I am so glad you don't have to go through conventional chemo. It's do-able but not fun. We will pray side effects will be minimal and the drug will have twice the effect on killing the cancer. Keep hanging in there and keep hanging on to the Rock. Watch His love for you continue to be demonstrated in ways you never thought possible. Love - Cherrie

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  11. Praising God with you Lisa for all the answered prayer! Praying for you around the clock!
    'Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.'
    Love and Blessings to you and your family,
    Barbara

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  12. Praying for the God of all peace and comfort to encourage you today! May your faith and reliance on God be a testament to all you have contact with. You have encouraged me through your blog and I pray that you may encourage many on your way towards healing.

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  13. My words are not eloquent, but my memories are dear... of you Lisa and my Calvary Chapel Tucson family. I remember often, with such thanksgiving, all that you poured into me and my life. Each of these thoughts are accompanied with prayers for you and Robert and the kids. He has proven over and over again His faithfulness to His word and He has told us that we are more than conquerers through Him who loved us. I just need you to know that we love you, from Phoenix and are praying ceaselessly. Thank you for continuing to be such an inspiration of victory with your "ready pen of a skillful writer".

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